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smart blur for a sketch effect

PostPosted: Tue Jan 05, 2010 3:15 pm
by MichelB
Do you use the smart blur filter?
I don't use it except for creative effects. Used alone in normal mode, it is not very interesting, but it can be blended with other effects and produce an effective simplification.
What I am using mostly is the 'edge only' mode. This mode is puzzling. First of all, it has nothing to do with blurring...

Let's try it. /filter/blur/smart blur...
Radius and threshold setting is a matter of trial and error. Try something like 10,20 to begin with. Mode 'edge only'. To check the result change the control view magnification to see more or less details. Clik ok. The result is a curious sketch in white on a black background. You'll probably prefer to invert (Ctrl I) to see a more conventional black sketch. Zoom in and out to see the effect in detail or overall. Really, nothing like blur. Since the purpose of smart blur is to blur while respecting the edges and contours, you might think what you are seeing is an edge mask. The result is very different from the 'find edges' filter. It may be interesting as such, but you'll probably find it has too much detail and does not look like any traditional sketching modes.

I find I can get more pleasing results in two ways:
- either by combining the result with another sketching method like 'find edges', varying the opacity and modes of different layers
- or applying another filter: /filter/stylize/diffuse (anisotropic) and perhaps add grain.

Like other sketching methods you can use a layer copy of the original picture above the other layers in color mode with reduced opacity. And to finish, consider adding texture or tint.

An example:
http://www.prestophoto.com/photos/image/2031670


Edit: about the 'edges only' creating an edge mask, I just checked it, and I find it very effective.

Re: smart blur for a sketch effect

PostPosted: Tue Jan 05, 2010 3:22 pm
by me429sb
Thanks Michel - I'll have to go and try it out. Your sketch is absolutely beautiful.

Re: smart blur for a sketch effect

PostPosted: Tue Jan 05, 2010 3:29 pm
by MichelB
Thanks Michelle... My next experiment will be with relatively low-res pictures like those of my camera phone. I suspect it will be possible to have good sketches.

Re: smart blur for a sketch effect

PostPosted: Tue Jan 05, 2010 4:57 pm
by suzib
Thanks, Michel for explaining. Can't wait to try it

Re: smart blur for a sketch effect

PostPosted: Tue Jan 05, 2010 5:20 pm
by Russinator
Michel, I love your sketch. I'm off to give it a try.

Re: smart blur for a sketch effect

PostPosted: Tue Jan 05, 2010 11:20 pm
by Rusty
Well now, isn't this fun.
This is what I started with:
DSC_6819 Sketch Before.jpg
DSC_6819 Sketch Before.jpg (131.05 KiB) Viewed 5474 times

Then:
DSC_6819 Sketch How.jpg
DSC_6819 Sketch How.jpg (113.29 KiB) Viewed 5473 times

And ended up with this:
DSC_6819 Sketch (Michel).jpg
DSC_6819 Sketch (Michel).jpg (149.88 KiB) Viewed 5471 times


Thank you, Michel

Rusty

Re: smart blur for a sketch effect

PostPosted: Wed Jan 06, 2010 3:18 am
by mtbspike
Michel, Thanks for the suggestions; it's fun to have new things to try. Here is what I came up with for my first try.

Courtney

Re: smart blur for a sketch effect

PostPosted: Wed Jan 06, 2010 3:43 am
by MichelB
Excellent Rusty and Courtney! The first try is a masterpiece :thumbsup:

Re: smart blur for a sketch effect

PostPosted: Thu Jan 07, 2010 12:11 am
by tennie
Wow, great Rusty & Courtney.

Thanks for the explanation, Michel. I like your sketch picture, now I know how you did it! :thumbsup:

Re: smart blur for a sketch effect

PostPosted: Thu Jan 07, 2010 8:12 pm
by smiles
Thanks Michel! I will give it a try when I get photoshop reinstalled! :thanks: